Sept. 11 museum evokes painful memories

News Times

Staff and wire reports

Updated 11:22 pm, Thursday, May 15, 2014

The National 9/11 Flag is furled by New York City firemen during a ceremony marking the opening of the 9/11 Memorial Museum on May 21, 2014 in New York. After the ceremony the flag was transferred into the museum's permanent collection.
Photo: DON EMMERT, AFP/Getty Images

The National 9/11 Flag is furled by New York City firemen during a...

With One World Trade Center in the background, the National 9/11 Flag is unfurled during a ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial in New York Wednesday, May 21, 2014. The ceremony Wednesday marked the opening of the National September 11 Memorial Museum. After the flag was refolded, firefighters marched it into the museum. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
Photo: Craig Ruttle, Associated Press

With One World Trade Center in the background, the National 9/11...

Groups of children join firefighters, police, members of the military and the public in participating in the ceremonial transfer of the National 9/11 Flag into the The National September 11 Memorial Museum permanent collection on May 21, 2014 in New York City. The giant American Flag, which was flying from a building beside the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and was later found badly damaged in the debris of ground zero, was unfurled at the World Trade Center site in a ceremony. The flag was refolded and firefighters marched it into the museum. The National September 11 Memorial Museum opened its doors to the general public today.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Groups of children join firefighters, police, members of the...

The National 9/11 Flag is held by New York City firemen during a ceremony marking the opening of the 9/11 Memorial Museum on May 21, 2014 in New York. After the ceremony the flag was transferred into the museum's permanent collection.
Photo: DON EMMERT, AFP/Getty Images

The National 9/11 Flag is held by New York City firemen during a...

Genevive Amoncio, 17, of Levittown, N.Y., wipes a tear while standing by the National 9/11 Flag is at the 9/11 Memorial in New York Wednesday, May 21, 2014. The ceremony Wednesday marked the opening of the National September 11 Memorial Museum. After the flag was refolded, firefighters marched it into the museum. The flag was flying from a building near the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. It was later found shredded in the debris of ground zero.
Photo: Craig Ruttle, Associated Press

Genevive Amoncio, 17, of Levittown, N.Y., wipes a tear while...

The hands of a fireman are seen as members of the public hold the National 9/11 Flag during a ceremony marking the opening of the 9/11 Memorial Museum on May 21, 2014 in New York. After the ceremony the flag was transferred into the museum's permanent collection.
Photo: DON EMMERT, AFP/Getty Images

The hands of a fireman are seen as members of the public hold the...

Firefighters help fold the flag as they participate in the ceremonial transfer of the National 9/11 Flag into the The National September 11 Memorial Museum permanent collection on May 21, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Firefighters help fold the flag as they participate in the...

Firefighters help fold the flag as they participate in the ceremonial transfer of the National 9/11 Flag into the The National September 11 Memorial Museum permanent collection on May 21, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Firefighters help fold the flag as they participate in the...

The National 9/11 Flag is carried by firefighters to the 9/11 Memorial Museum after a ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial in New York Wednesday, May 21, 2014. The ceremony Wednesday marked the opening of the National September 11 Memorial Museum. After the flag was refolded, firefighters marched it into the museum. The flag was flying from a building near the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. It was later found shredded in the debris of ground zero.
Photo: Craig Ruttle, Associated Press

The National 9/11 Flag is carried by firefighters to the 9/11...

The reflective windows of the 9/11 Memorial Museum rise above some of the first public visitors to arrive at the site in New York Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Today marked the first day the 9/11 Memorial Museum was opened to the public.
Photo: Craig Ruttle, Associated Press

The reflective windows of the 9/11 Memorial Museum rise above some...

With an image of the former World Trade Center seen through the reflective windows of the 9/11 Memorial Museum, some of the first public visitors can be seen arriving at the site in New York Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Today marked the first day the 9/11 Memorial Museum was opened to the public.
Photo: Craig Ruttle, Associated Press

With an image of the former World Trade Center seen through the...

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, former President Bill Clinton, and Diana Taylor, tour the Memorial Hall at the National September 11 Memorial Museum, Thursday, May 15, 2014, in New York.
Photo: Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press

A photograph of New York Fire Department Lt. Joseph Agnello is held during the dedication ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: Chris Pedota, Associated Press

A photograph of New York Fire Department Lt. Joseph Agnello is...

President Barack Obama talks with Ling Young, left, and Alison Crowther before their remarks during the dedication ceremony in Foundation Hall, of the National September 11 Memorial Museum, in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014. Young was working on the 86th floor of the South Tower and was one of 12 people who escaped the sky lobby after Flight 175 struck the World Trade Center. Crowther is the mother of Welles Crowther who was killed on September 11 while assisting in the evacuation efforts in the South Tower.
Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY, Associated Press

President Barack Obama talks with Ling Young, left, and Alison...

First responders from the FDNY and Port Authority exit the stage during the Dedication Ceremony of the National September 11 Memorial Museum in the museum's Foundation Hall on Thursday, May 15, 2014 in New York.
Photo: Charles Eckert, Associated Press

First responders from the FDNY and Port Authority exit the stage...

US President Barack Obama is accompanied by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg as he tours the National September 11 Memorial & Museum on May 15, 2014 in New York. Obama inaugurated the museum commemorating the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Photo: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP/Getty Images

US President Barack Obama is accompanied by former New York Mayor...

An image of one of the original World Trade Center Towers is displayed in the window of the 9/11 Memorial Museum pavilion dedication ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York on Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: Anthony Behar, Associated Press

An image of one of the original World Trade Center Towers is...

Former New York Gov. George Pataki speaks as photos of 9/11 victims are projected, during the dedication ceremony in Foundation Hall, of the National September 11 Memorial Museum, in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: Richard Drew, Associated Press

Former New York Gov. George Pataki speaks as photos of 9/11 victims...

President Barak Obama speaks about Wells Crowther and Ling Young during the dedication ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Museum Thursday, May 15th, 2014, New York.
Photo: Chang W. Lee, Associated Press

President Barak Obama speaks about Wells Crowther and Ling Young...

People watch a live video from the Ground Zero memorial site of the dedication ceremony of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on Thursday, May 15, 2014 in New York.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Associated Press

People watch a live video from the Ground Zero memorial site of the...

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo speaks at the dedication ceremony for the National 9/11 Memorial Museum on May 15, 2014 in New York City. The museum memorializes the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.
Photo: JOHN ANGELILLO, Associated Press

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo speaks at the dedication ceremony...

Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, left, greets New York City firefighter Mickey Kross before his speech during the dedication ceremony in Foundation Hall, of the National September 11 Memorial Museum, in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: Richard Drew, Associated Press

Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, left, greets New York City...

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani greets New York City Fireman at the dedication of the National September 11 Memorial Museum, in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY, Associated Press

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani greets New York City...

A woman wears a photograph of a victim of the September 11 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center around her neck as she attends the dedication ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014. The museum, commemorating the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington opens to the public on May 21, with wrenchingly familiar sights as well as artifacts never before on public display.
Photo: MIKE SEGAR, Associated Press

A woman wears a photograph of a victim of the September 11 2001...

President Barack Obama speaks at the dedication ceremony for the National September 11 Memorial Museum on Thursday, May 15, 2014 in New York.
Photo: JOHN ANGELILLO, Associated Press

President Barack Obama speaks at the dedication ceremony for the...

People watch a live video from the Ground Zero memorial site of the dedication ceremony of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on Thursday, May 15, 2014 in New York.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Associated Press

People watch a live video from the Ground Zero memorial site of the...

Connie Dorner of Camarillo, Calif., cries as she stands at memorial plaza to view the program on a television monitor during the dedication ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: Allan Tannenbaum, Associated Press

Connie Dorner of Camarillo, Calif., cries as she stands at memorial...

People watch a live video from the Ground Zero memorial site of President Barack Obama during the dedication ceremony of the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York on May 15, 2014. The museum spans seven stories, mostly underground, and contains artifacts from the attack on the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001 that include the 80 ft high tridents, the so-called "Ground Zero Cross," the destroyed remains of Company 21's New York Fire Department Engine as well as smaller items such as letter that fell from a hijacked plane and posters of missing loved ones projected onto the wall of the museum. The museum will open to the public on May 21.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Associated Press

People watch a live video from the Ground Zero memorial site of...

US President Barack H. Obama at the dedication of the national September 11th Memorial Museum in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY, Associated Press

US President Barack H. Obama at the dedication of the national...

From left, Former U.S. President Bill Clinton sits with his wife former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former New York Governor George Pataki and former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani during the dedication ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: MIKE SEGAR, Associated Press

From left, Former U.S. President Bill Clinton sits with his wife...

US President Barack Obama speaks as an image of the twin towers are projected during a ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum on May 15, 2014 in New York. Obama inaugurated the museum commemorating the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Photo: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP/Getty Images

US President Barack Obama speaks as an image of the twin towers are...

Two people embrace while gathered on the plaza of the National September 11 Memorial to watch the telecast of the dedication ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York on Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: JUSTIN LANE, Associated Press

Two people embrace while gathered on the plaza of the National...

President Barack Obama speaks at the dedication ceremony for the National September 11 Memorial Museum on Thursday, May 15, 2014 in New York. The museum opens to the public on May 21.
Photo: JOHN ANGELILLO, Associated Press

President Barack Obama speaks at the dedication ceremony for the...

A woman in the audience dries a tear during the dedication ceremony in Foundation Hall, of the National September 11 Memorial Museum, in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: Richard Drew, Associated Press

A woman in the audience dries a tear during the dedication ceremony...

A New York City firefighter looks at the last column recovered at the World Trade Center site at the dedication ceremony for the National 9/11 Memorial Museum on Thursday, May 15, 2014 in New York. The museum memorializes the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.
Photo: JOHN ANGELILLO, Associated Press

A New York City firefighter looks at the last column recovered at...

US President Barack Obama is accompanied by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg as he tours the National September 11 Memorial & Museum on May 15, 2014 in New York. Obama inaugurated the museum commemorating the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Photo: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP/Getty Images

US President Barack Obama is accompanied by former New York Mayor...

Fog looms lover the memorial plaza during the dedication ceremony for National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York, Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: Allan Tannenbaum, Associated Press

Fog looms lover the memorial plaza during the dedication ceremony...

A view of the National September 11 Memorial Museum with the north reflecting pool in foreground during the museum's dedication ceremony Thursday, May 15, 2014 in New York.
Photo: JUSTIN LANE, Associated Press

A view of the National September 11 Memorial Museum with the north...

Reflection of members of the general public in the glass facade of the 9/11 Memorial Museum pavilion during the dedication ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York on Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: Anthony Behar, Associated Press

Reflection of members of the general public in the glass facade of...

Cards, patches and mementos of those killed at Ground Zero are are viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City. The long awaited museum will open to the public on May 21 following a six-day dedication period for 9/11 families, survivors, first responders, workers, and local city residents. For the dedication period the doors to the museum will be open for 24-hours a day from May 15 through May 20. On Thursday President Barack Obama and the first lady will attend the dedication ceremony for the opening of the museum.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Cards, patches and mementos of those killed at Ground Zero are are...

An American flag found at the World Trade Center site (below) and a photograph of a flag raising at the site by Thomas E. Franklin/The Record (Bergen County, New Jersey) (top), seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

An American flag found at the World Trade Center site (below) and a...

Escalators going up to street level past a section of steel facade from the North Tower, floors 96 to 99, (L) seen during a press preview in the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

Escalators going up to street level past a section of steel facade...

A display of front pages of newspapers, seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

A display of front pages of newspapers, seen during a press preview...

The "Survior Stairs", remnants of a Vesey Street staircase where many people who worked at the World Trade Center towers during the September 11, 2001 attack escaped to the street, seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

The "Survior Stairs", remnants of a Vesey Street staircase where...

A section of steel facade from the North Tower, floors 96 to 99, seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

A section of steel facade from the North Tower, floors 96 to 99,...

The only World Trade Center presentation model still in existence is viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

The only World Trade Center presentation model still in existence...

A firefighters shirt used at Ground Zero on September 11 is viewed during a tour the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

A firefighters shirt used at Ground Zero on September 11 is viewed...

A photograph of the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001 attacks (L) and a column and facade segment (R) seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

A photograph of the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001...

The salvaged tridents from the World Trade Center are viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

The salvaged tridents from the World Trade Center are viewed during...

The bullhorn President George W. Bush used to speak to first responders and the public at Ground Zero on September 14 is viewed during a tour the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

The bullhorn President George W. Bush used to speak to first...

A wall with a quote from Virgil and featuring 2,983 panels for each victim is viewed during a tour of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

A wall with a quote from Virgil and featuring 2,983 panels for each...

A decorated pillar from Ground Zero and the Slurry Wall are viewed during a tour of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

A decorated pillar from Ground Zero and the Slurry Wall are viewed...

Dust, ash and debris from the collapsed Twin Towers are viewed on the clothes from the store Chelsea Jeans in an exhibit at viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Dust, ash and debris from the collapsed Twin Towers are viewed on...

In this May 5, 2014 photo released by the National September 11 Memorial Museum, a firetruck, damaged in the attacks of September 11, 2001, is on display at the New York museum.
Photo: Jin Lee, Associated Press

In this May 5, 2014 photo released by the National September 11...

In this May 5, 2014 photo released by the National September 11 Memorial Museum, a piece of airplane damaged in the attacks of September 11, 2001, is displayed at the New York museum. The long-delayed museum will be dedicated during a ceremony Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Photo: Jin Lee, Associated Press

In this May 5, 2014 photo released by the National September 11...

People tour the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City. The long awaited museum will open to the public on May 21 following a six-day dedication period for 9/11 families, survivors, first responders, workers, and local city residents.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

People tour the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14,...

The personal identification of Glenn J. Winuk, who was killed at Ground Zero on September 11, is viewed during a tour the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

The personal identification of Glenn J. Winuk, who was killed at...

Artifacts from Ground Zero is viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Artifacts from Ground Zero is viewed during a preview of the...

Surviving firefighter Dan Potter's fire helmet, which he used at Ground Zero on September 11, is viewed during a tour the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Surviving firefighter Dan Potter's fire helmet, which he used at...

A pair of eye glasses recovered from Ground Zero are viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

A pair of eye glasses recovered from Ground Zero are viewed during...

Artifacts from Ground Zero are viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Artifacts from Ground Zero are viewed during a preview of the...

Artifacts from Ground Zero are are viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Artifacts from Ground Zero are are viewed during a preview of the...

A recovery mask used by a burn victim from the attacks on September 11 is viewed during a tour of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

A recovery mask used by a burn victim from the attacks on September...

Pieces of the plane of Flight 11 seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

Pieces of the plane of Flight 11 seen during a press preview of the...

Artifacts, pictures and documents from Ground Zero are are viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Artifacts, pictures and documents from Ground Zero are are viewed...

Port Authority workers tour the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Port Authority workers tour the National September 11 Memorial...

A destroyed fire department ambulance from Ground Zero is viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

A destroyed fire department ambulance from Ground Zero is viewed...

A salvaged bicycle rack from Ground Zero is viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

A salvaged bicycle rack from Ground Zero is viewed during a preview...

Artifacts from Ground Zero, including the cross made out of steel from the buildings, is viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Artifacts from Ground Zero, including the cross made out of steel...

Artifacts from Ground Zero, including the cross made out of steel from the buildings, is viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Artifacts from Ground Zero, including the cross made out of steel...

Handmade missing posters of victims of September 11 are viewed during a tour of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Handmade missing posters of victims of September 11 are viewed...

Artifacts from Ground Zero, including part of a television and radio antenna from the North Tower, is viewed during a preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum on May 14, 2014 in New York City.
Photo: Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Artifacts from Ground Zero, including part of a television and...

This file photo of June 19, 2011 shows an American Airlines slipper stored in Hangar 17 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The slipper is an artifact from the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that is to be part of the National September 11 Memorial Museum, which will be dedicated Thursday, May 15, 2014, in a ceremony attended by President Barack Obama.
Photo: Mark Lennihan, Associated Press

This file photo of June 19, 2011 shows an American Airlines slipper...

An opening panel showing a timeline of events seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

An opening panel showing a timeline of events seen during a press...

Audio and visual panels seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

Audio and visual panels seen during a press preview of the National...

Remains of a New York City Fire Department Ladder Company 3 truck seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

Remains of a New York City Fire Department Ladder Company 3 truck...

HelmetS worn by New York City Fire Department Firefighter Christian Waugh on September 11, 2001, are seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

HelmetS worn by New York City Fire Department Firefighter Christian...

A photograph of the World Trade Center twin towers(R) is seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

A photograph of the World Trade Center twin towers(R) is seen...

A worker under a photograph of the World Trade Center seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

A worker under a photograph of the World Trade Center seen during a...

A photograph by Jose Jimenez/Primera Hora (R) of people looking out of one of the World Trade Center towers after the September 11, 2001 attack seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

A photograph by Jose Jimenez/Primera Hora (R) of people looking out...

A photograph of one of the World Trade Center towers collapsing after the September 11, 2001 attack, seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

A photograph of one of the World Trade Center towers collapsing...

A display showing the Al-Qaeda hijackers, is seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

A display showing the Al-Qaeda hijackers, is seen during a press...

A display showing information, is seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

A display showing information, is seen during a press preview of...

An exhibit about the plane that crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001 and a photograph of the plane crash (R), seen during a press preview of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

An exhibit about the plane that crashed near Shanksville,...

People peer in at the World Trade Center "tridents" (R), two steel columns that formed part of the building's structural support, seen in the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

People peer in at the World Trade Center "tridents" (R), two steel...

A detail of a World Trade Center "trident", a steel column that formed part of the building's structural support, seen during a press preview in the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site May 14, 2014 in New York.
Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

A detail of a World Trade Center "trident", a steel column that...

The National September 11 Memorial Museum is viewed(L) next to One WTC 9World Trade Center) during a media tour May 13, 2014 of the WTC site after a press conference and a symposium event to talk about the documentary "16 ACRES & BEYOND: Inside the Struggle to Rebuild Ground Zero" in New York.
Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY, AFP/Getty Images

The National September 11 Memorial Museum is viewed(L) next to One...

A man is reflected in the side of the 9/11 Museum during a media tour May 13, 2014 of the WTC (World Trade Center) site after a press conference and a symposium event to talk about the documentry "16 ACRES & BEYOND: Inside the Struggle to Rebuild Ground Zero" .
Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY, AFP/Getty Images

A man is reflected in the side of the 9/11 Museum during a media...

Jonathan Best, who is the Director of the Department of Public Health Office of Preparedness and Response, poses at his home in Stratford, Conn. on Thursday May 15, 2014. In 2001, Best was a supervisor for an ambulance company in Manhattan. He lost several friend in the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Jonathan Best, who is the Director of the Department of Public Health Office of Preparedness and Response, poses at his home in Stratford, Conn. on Thursday May 15, 2014. In 2001, Best was a supervisor for an ambulance company in Manhattan. He lost several friend in the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Tears in her eyes, Maureen Fanning emerged Thursday from the new Sept. 11 museum deep beneath ground zero, unable to bring herself to look at all of it.

"I just think it would be a little too overwhelming today," said Fanning, the widow of a firefighter who died that awful day. "It's a lot to digest, to absorb. Not anytime soon."

Rescue workers, victims' friends and relatives and survivors of the terrorist attack visited the subterranean space as the National Sept. 11 Memorial Museum was dedicated by President Barack Obama.

The president said the museum delivers the message that "Nothing can ever break us."

The dedication had emotional echoes miles from New York, including in Danbury, one of many communities that sent firefighters and other first responders to help with rescue and recovery.

"The museum recognizes the continued willingness to sacrifice, to do what has to be done," said Fire Chief Geoff Herald. "It's the willingness to step in and say `I will do this.' And that testimony that the museum will provide to the public will stand for many years to come."

The museum's artifacts range from the monumental -- including two of the huge fork-shaped columns from the World Trade Center facade -- to the intimate: a victim's wedding ring, a recording of a last voicemail.

Herald said he plans to visit the museum in June, a trip he considers a "pilgrimage."

"There are few places in the country that I think people should make a pilgrimage to, and this testament to the World Trade Center is certainly among them, like the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.," Herald said. "This is a seminal event for our generation."

More than 150 Connecticut residents were among nearly 3,000 who died on 9/11.

Some relatives visiting the memorial found the exhibits both upsetting and inspiring.

Patricia Smith came to see one small object: the New York Police badge her mother, Moira, was wearing when she died helping to evacuate the twin towers.

Patricia, 14, said she left feeling a new level of connection to her mother, but "seeing that, reading the story that goes along with it, even if I already know it, is really upsetting."

David Greenberg, who lost a dozen colleagues that had met for breakfast on 9/11 at Windows on the World restaurant atop the Trade Center, called the museum "breathtaking, awe-inspiring and emotional."

"You have your moments when there can be solitude, moments when there can be happiness, and a mixture of emotions through the entire museum," said Greenberg, who worked at an office nearby.

The museum opens to the public Wednesday, but many of those who were affected most directly by 9/11 were allowed to explore it Thursday.

Victims' relatives also paid their first visits to a repository containing unidentified remains from the disaster.

Monika Iken, a museum board member, was among them. Her husband's remains were never identified.

"But he's here," she said. "I know he's here."

Many in the audience wiped away tears during the dedication ceremony, which revisited both the horror and the heroism of 9/11, the day 19 al-Qaida hijackers crashed four airliners into the trade center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. The attack plunged the U.S. into a decade of war in Afghanistan against al-Qaida's Taliban protectors.

After viewing some of the exhibits, including a mangled fire truck and a memorial wall with photos of victims, Obama retold the story of Welles Crowther, a 24-year-old World Trade Center worker who became known as "the man in the red bandana" after leading many others to safety from one of the towers. Crowther died in the tower's collapse.

The president said the museum pays tribute to "the true spirit of 9/11 -- love, compassion, sacrifice."

"Like the great wall and bedrock that embrace us today," Obama said, referring to the building foundations that withstood the attack, "nothing can ever break us. Nothing can change who we are as Americans."

One of the red bandanas Crowther made a habit of carrying is in the museum. Crowther's mother, Alison, said she hopes it will inspire visitors to help other people.

"This is the true legacy of Sept. 11," she said.

Retired Fire Department Lt. Mickey Cross described being trapped for hours in the wreckage -- and then joining the recovery effort after being rescued.

Kayla Bergeron remembered taking her final steps to safety, after 68 flights, on the battered staircase that now sits in the museum. "Today, when I think about those stairs, what they represent to me is resiliency," she said.

David Beamer reflected on his son's wristwatch, stopped when a hijacked plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field after Todd Beamer and other passengers and crew members stormed the cockpit.

Florence Jones recalled the shoes she shed on her way down the World Trade Center's south tower.

"I wanted my nieces and my nephew, and every person that asked what happened, to see them and, maybe, understand a little bit better what it felt like to be us on that day," she said.